Exodus 36 25

Exodus 36:25 kjv

And for the other side of the tabernacle, which is toward the north corner, he made twenty boards,

Exodus 36:25 nkjv

And for the other side of the tabernacle, the north side, he made twenty boards

Exodus 36:25 niv

For the other side, the north side of the tabernacle, they made twenty frames

Exodus 36:25 esv

For the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side, he made twenty frames

Exodus 36:25 nlt

For the north side of the Tabernacle, he made another twenty frames,

Exodus 36 verses

Exodus 36 25 Meaning

Exodus 36:25 states that "there were twenty boards on the south side southward" for the construction of the Tabernacle. This verse provides a specific detail about the quantity and placement of the primary structural components (boards or planks) on one of the long sides of the sacred Tent of Meeting. It confirms that the skilled artisans, under the leadership of Bezalel and Oholiab, meticulously followed God's exact architectural blueprints, demonstrating faithful obedience and the precision required for God's dwelling place.

Exodus 36 25 Context

Exodus 36 continues the narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, following the detailed instructions given by God to Moses. Verses 20-30 specifically describe the creation and assembly of the wooden framework that formed the walls of the Tabernacle, consisting of "boards" or "planks" made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, fitted into silver bases. Verse 25 focuses on the southern side, echoing the divine blueprint provided in Exodus 26:18, which precisely commanded twenty boards for that side. The entire chapter emphasizes the meticulous execution of God's divine plan, highlighting the people's obedience and the skill imparted to them by the Spirit of God to carry out this sacred task. This level of detail underscores God's absolute holiness, order, and His desire for an exact dwelling place among His chosen people.

Historically and culturally, the Tabernacle was unique among ancient Near Eastern places of worship due to its explicit, detailed, and divine architectural plans. Pagan temples were often built according to human aesthetic preferences or evolving traditions, sometimes involving crude idols. In contrast, the God of Israel provided an intricate blueprint, down to the number of boards and their orientation. This demonstrated His sovereign authority and distinction from the chaotic or arbitrary deities of surrounding cultures. The Tabernacle served as the tangible center of Israel's worship, symbolizing God's presence, purity, and His covenant relationship with them, foreshadowing ultimate redemption and God's dwelling with humanity in Christ.

Exodus 36 25 Word analysis

• And there were: Hebrew: vayehiyu (ויהיו).
  • This phrase indicates an existing state or outcome.
  • It marks the completion or presence of something being constructed according to divine instruction.
• twenty boards: Hebrew: ‘esrim qerashim (עשרים קרשים).
  • twenty (‘esrim): A precise numerical value, confirming exact adherence to the divine command in Exod 26:18.
    • This numerical accuracy speaks to God's detailed demands and the Israelites' faithfulness in execution.
    • It signifies an absolute standard for sacred architecture.
  • boards (qerashim): Refers to the solid upright planks, ten cubits high and one and a half cubits wide (Exod 26:16), forming the walls.
    • They were made of durable acacia (shittim) wood and overlaid with gold.
    • Each board served as an essential, precisely fitted structural unit, integral to the stability and sanctity of the Tabernacle.
• on the south side: Hebrew: el-pe'ath negba (אל-פאת נגבה).
  • on the side of (el-pe'ath): Indicates a specific position or direction.
  • south (negba): Denotes the cardinal direction.
    • The Tabernacle's dimensions and orientation were divinely specified, establishing cosmic and symbolic order for God's presence.
• southward; Hebrew: taymena (תימנה).
  • A redundant or emphatic term meaning "toward the south" or "on the south side."
  • This repetition underscores the exactness required and observed in aligning the structure.
  • It reinforces that the building followed precise directional instructions.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And there were twenty boards": This phrase directly states the result of the construction effort concerning the south side's wall. It signifies completion and accurate quantity. The numerical exactitude reflects divine precision in design and human obedience in execution, emphasizing that God's plan was followed without deviation.
• "on the south side toward the south": This phrase is highly specific regarding location and orientation. The slight redundancy (side and then "southward") highlights the meticulous attention to geographical alignment prescribed by God. It illustrates the Tabernacle's symbolic integrity as a structured dwelling place reflecting a heavenly pattern, where every dimension and direction held importance in a highly ordered spiritual system. This stands in contrast to common chaotic practices of surrounding cultures and underlines God's nature as one of peace and order.

Exodus 36 25 Bonus section

• Symbolic Dimensions: Each board, being 10 cubits high, formed a significant barrier, indicating the separation between the holy space and the surrounding world, and signifying God's elevated presence.
• The Weight of Holiness: Each board also rested in two silver sockets, weighing one talent each (Exod 38:27). This implies immense stability and foundational weight for the sacred structure, suggesting that the "weight" of holiness rested on firm foundations, linking to Christ as our sure foundation (1 Cor 3:11).
• Preparation and Process: The process involved crafting durable acacia wood, covering it with pure gold, and then assembling them into an exact framework. This speaks to the necessary preparation, purification (gold), and precision required to build for God, a spiritual lesson for believers constructing their lives as a spiritual temple.

Exodus 36 25 Commentary

Exodus 36:25, a seemingly technical verse, profoundly illustrates the principle of precise obedience to divine commands in the construction of God's dwelling place. The mention of "twenty boards on the south side toward the south" confirms that the skilled artisans followed God's intricate architectural plans with exactitude. This meticulous attention to detail underscored the sanctity of the Tabernacle, every component being essential for its structural and symbolic integrity. It revealed God's character as orderly, holy, and precise, demonstrating that His dwelling would be a place of perfect arrangement, a reflection of His heavenly order. This exactitude was crucial for a structure designed to mediate God's presence among His people, serving as a foreshadowing of the perfect Incarnation of Jesus Christ, where God's fullness dwelt among us in a perfectly executed plan of redemption.